Former OKC Thunder Executive Joins New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans have hired a new Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations

Apr 13, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault greets New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green after the game at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The 2025 NBA offseason has been one of major changes for the New Orleans Pelicans. After hiring Pistons legend Joe Dumars as the President of Basketball Operations, the Pelicans also made three new hires on top of that.

Troy Weaver became the new Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations, Jason Hervey became the new Director of Player Personnel, and Davis Smith became the new Basketball Operations Manager.

Welcome to New Orleans! 👏

🏀 Troy Weaver, Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations

🏀 Jason Hervey, Director of Player Personnel

🏀 Davis Smith, Basketball Operations Manager pic.twitter.com/WTdKF6TrXD

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) May 28, 2025

Troy Weaver, in particular, was the former assistant GM for the Oklahoma City Thunder. During his first season in 2008, he was most notably known for being responsible for pushing the team to draft Russell Westbrook with the number four pick.

In 2020, Weaver was named the GM of the Detroit Pistons. Throughout that time, the Pistons had a horrible record of 54-192 before Weaver ultimately stepped down in 2024. However, he also drafted Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, and Luka Garza. After that, Weaver served a brief stint with the Washington Wizards.

May 1, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) shoots on New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the second half during game six of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Pelicans have done a decent job of drafting talent, with players like Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, and Yves Missi. Talent hasn't necessarily been an issue for the Pelicans, it's been a matter of health. The whole team was decimated with injuries last season, and Zion Williamson has barely been available for the playoffs.

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